How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
December 20, 2022
Just like you would examine the history and condition of a pre-owned car before buying it, you should also inspect a house for any possible issues before investing in one. Home inspections are an invaluable tool for potential home buyers, to save money and prevent themselves from making costly mistakes.
They are performed shortly after the seller accepts the buyer’s offer. It is typically the responsibility of the buyer to pay for the home inspection, so it is important for buyers to understand how much a home inspection typically costs.
Do You Need a Home Inspection?
Home inspections are essential in the home buying process, as they uncover any hidden issues in the house prior to making it yours. However, many buyers waive the home inspection in order to make the seller a more attractive deal. This can be a very risky thing to do. Houses can have many issues that are not obvious.
From structural issues to sewage line blockages, problems found during an inspection can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Buyers can negotiate the information revealed in an inspection to get better terms from the seller. For example, buyers can negotiate for the seller to repair any issues before purchase, adjust the selling price accordingly, or even walk away from the transaction altogether.
Read More: How To Choose a Home Inspector
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The basic home inspection is defined by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) as an objective visual examination of the systems and physical structure of a house. The standard inspection will cover:
- Heating
- Central Air Conditioning
- Interior Plumbing System
- Electrical System
- Roof, Attic, and Visual Insulation
- Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Windows, Doors
- Foundation
- Basement and Structural Components
Standard home inspection costs can change based on many factors but on average, they typically range from $200 to $500. There are additional home inspections that the inspector may suggest or may be required that can add to that cost. These are also called specialized home inspections.
What Are The Factors Included in Home Inspection Costs?
The cost of a home inspection is based largely on three factors: age, location, and square footage. The experience of the home inspector is also a factor, as more experienced inspectors may charge higher fees for better service.
Age
The age of a house can affect the cost of a home inspection because older homes tend to require more time and effort to inspect. Older systems and physical components can need more attention compared to newer homes since the homes are more likely to be out of date.
Square Footage
Most home inspectors can examine a house in 2 to 3 hours but of course, the bigger the house, the more time it will take to inspect it. Inspectors take into account the size of the house when pricing an inspection because they want their time to be compensated. For houses with an area of 1000 to 2000 sq ft., the average fee is below $300.
Specialized Home Inspection Costs
The home inspectors that perform standard inspections are typically generalists. For any additional specialized inspections, the inspector needs to be a specialist.
Specialist inspectors can perform specialized home inspections that focus on specific home components and tests. There are many different types of specialized home inspections but they usually range between $100 to over $1000. Here are some of the most common:
- Radon Testing
- Mold Testing
- Pest Inspections
- Lead Testing
- Foundation Inspection
- Septic Tank Inspection
- Sewer Scope
Buying a House? Then You Need a Negotiator!
A home inspection is one step of the home-buying process but there are many more steps involved if you want to become a homeowner. Without expert knowledge of the buying process, you may not be able to get the best deal for a home or could even make costly mistakes.
The Negotiators is a real estate organization that is only comprised of top real estate agents that have all proven their ability to go above and beyond for their clients. By hiring a Negotiator, you’ll have someone on your side who has a wealth of experience, real estate expertise, and an unrivaled work ethic working with you throughout the entire home-buying process. Contact a Negotiator if you want to work with a great real estate agent.